This site compares and contrasts Vinca major and Vinca minor (also known as Periwinkle and Myrtle).
Vinca major and Vinca minor share these characteristics:
- Low-maintenance, great for mass plantings and controlling soil erosion on slopes.
- Thrives best in shade or part shade, flowers best in part shade.
- Tolerates full sun in northern zones.
- An evergreen trailing vine with glossy green leaves and colorful blooms.
- Stunning rich blooms cover the plant in early spring (rare for an evergreen groundcover), blooms persist sporadically summer through frost.
- Rarely eaten by deer, tolerant of drought and infrequent foot traffic.
- Spreads quickly once established.
- Available with variegated foliage.
- Mature height is approximately 4-6".
Below are the differences between Vinca major and Vinca minor.
Vinca major
Larger leaves and less cold hardiness than Vinca major. Tolerates more sun than Vinca minor (better for southernmost zones).
Available with solid green or variegated (white margined) foliage.
View Vinca major »
Vinca minor
Smaller leaves and greater cold hardiness than Vinca major. Tolerates more cold than Vinca major (better for northernmost zones).
Available with solid green or variegated foliage and in a variety of bloom colors.
View Vinca minor »
Ornamental vines come in a variety of tones and textures and most of them persist year round no matter what the weather. These plants are a wonderful addition to any backyard and are ideal for filling in spaces where little else seems to grow. They are extremely important for controlling soil erosion and to help reduce soil evaporation. They also provide a lush canvas that allow your brightly colored plants and flowers to truly shine.
Differences between Vinca major and Vinca minor
Name | Hardiness Zones | Comments | Ordering Information |
Vinca major |
6-11 |
Larger leaves and less cold hardy. Tolerates more sun than Vinca minor (better for southernmost zones). |
More info |
Vinca minor |
3-9 |
Smaller leaves and more cold hardy. Tolerates more cold than Vinca major (better for northernmost zones). More bloom colors. |
More info |
If you can use 1000 plants, they have Vinca minor on sale for 50% off ($0.32 per plant) »
See all plants that they currently have on sale/clearance at big discounts »